The rope ladder was thrown down, and Douglas approached the wall with shaking limbs. Sweat poured from his skin until his clothing was soaked, and the sour tang of fear filled the air. Somehow, he leveraged his bulk over the edge and began the treacherous climb to the bottom.
Curious, General Sikes leaned over the edge to watch his progress. I wonder if he’ll make it all the way down.
Next to him, the four guards were placing bets. None of them believed the senator would set foot on the ground. Not alive, anyway.
“Three coins he goes splat before he gets halfway,” one bet the others.
“A quarter of the way,” another countered.
“Oh, look! He almost slipped,” one guard cried out.
The others laughed, and their betting increased ten-fold.
“There he goes again!”
“That was a close one.”
Sikes couldn’t prevent a smile from forming on his lips. They were right, of course. Douglas was nothing more than the punchline to a bad joke. Whether he made it or not, he’d never survive the night. He was as good as dead.
An image of Douglas being torn apart by a T-Rex filled Sikes’ brain. A delectable vision indeed. Too bad I won’t get to see it.
A cry alerted him, and Sikes leaned further forward.
Douglas had made the mistake of looking down. Now, he was stuck on the wall. Frozen. He remained in place for several minutes until his entire body began to shake like a leaf in the wind. Exhaustion was setting in, and he wouldn’t last much longer. Looking upward, he raised a pleading hand toward Sikes and the guards. “Help me, please!”
General Sikes shook his head. “You’d better hurry. If you don’t move soon, your arms will give out, and you’ll fall. You wouldn’t want that, would you?”
Douglas squeezed his eyes shut and clung to the ladder. “I can’t. It’s too high.”
“Well, that’s too bad,” General Sikes said, a predatory smile wreathing his lips. His heartbeat increased as he watched Douglas tire. He wanted to see the man die. Wanted to see his blood and innards spilled out on the unforgiving earth.
One of Douglas’ hands slipped off the rung. His body swung loose in the air, and he yelled with fear. He grabbed for the ladder and, by some miracle, caught the rung. But the next moment, his legs gave out, and he lost his footing. Hanging by his arms alone, the former senator of Prime City faced his imminent death.
Bit by bit, his hands slid free from the smooth wooden poles, lubricated by his sweaty palms. His bulk dragged at muscles that hadn’t worked in years until they could no longer withstand the pull. Douglas fell, screaming all the way to the ground. His body hit the dirt with terrific force, and he burst open like an overripe plum. Blood spread outward in a crimson pool, enveloping his broken limbs.
Sikes grinned, delighting in the gruesome display. Soon, scavengers would arrive, and they’d make short work of the remains.
Senator Douglas was no more.
Chapter 2 - Kat
Kat watched General Sikes leave the room, her heart filled with hatred. It burned through her veins like poison and drove her onward on the path of destruction. It was the fuel that enabled her to survive, to play the role of doting mistress day after day. Without it, she’d have given up long ago and joined the other ghosts of Prime. The Forgotten, as Moran called them.
Today, Kat had taken a crucial step forward in her plans to topple Sikes and Douglas. When Douglas fell, there would be one less player on the board to contend with. It was a risky move, however. With Sikes in charge of Prime, he’d be all-powerful and that much more dangerous. “Long live the King.”
A sneer twisted her lips. Maybe not all-powerful. Not as long as she still drew breath. But she had to hurry. Each day, it became harder to keep up the act of love and devotion he’d come to expect from her. Soon, the mask would slip, and he’d see the truth.
With a firm shake of her head, Kat strode toward the ornate cupboard that housed her clothes. “Not if I can help it.”
It was time to put the next part of her plan in motion. Moving fast, she stripped off her negligee and pulled on a pair of black tights, a vest, and knee-high boots. A light linen jacket in khaki-green rounded off the ensemble, and she pulled her hair into a tight knot. Concealed within the jacket, she carried a knife and a gun. The latter was a gift from the general. A .38 special snub-nosed revolver. Perfect for self-defense.
She cast a final glance around the plush apartment she shared with Sikes, reflecting on the years spent within its confines. Years of ease and luxury, devoid of the hardships she’d suffered as a young woman on the streets of Prime. And yet, she hated the place, for it also represented an eternity of slavery and subjugation.
“Not for much longer,” Kat vowed as she shut the door.
With long strides, she navigated the hallways and corridors of the Prime Hotel. By now, she knew the place like the back of her hand. Here and there, she encountered servants, but she ignored them as was expected of her. Neither the Douglas nor Sikes approved of fraternizing with the help, and in the hotel, appearances were everything.
Fortunately, the place was quiet. The men were attending the ceremony while the wives and mistresses still lounged in their beds. Most of the useless creatures were too lazy to emerge from their quarters until noon. At least, that was usually the case.
“Kat? Is that you?” a high-pitched voice called from an open doorway.
Kat drew to an abrupt halt. She spotted the speaker, and her teeth ground together with frustration. Of all the rotten luck.
Forcing her mouth into a pleasant smile, she surveyed the form of Rose, mistress to Senator Douglas. The girl was the latest in a long line before her, but also the most annoying. Barely twenty years of age, she was both vain and childish.
“Why, Rose. What a surprise,” Kat said, reluctantly moving closer.
“You’re up early,” Rose said, stifling a yawn behind one dainty hand.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Kat said.
“You look tired. Did you have a late night?” Rose asked with a touch of spite. She was well aware of the picture she presented, a vision in pink and gold lace.
“Perhaps,” Kat said, wishing the girl would let her be.
No such luck.
“The general strikes me as a very demanding lover,” Rose mused, twirling a lock of honey-blonde hair with one finger. “No wonder you look so worn out.”
Kat suppressed a growl. “I’m fine.”
Rose scanned Kat’s outfit. “Where are you going dressed like that?”
“I’m going for a walk.”
“A walk? In the city?” Rose asked. “Whatever for?”
“To get some fresh air,” Kat said.
“Fresh air?” Rose broke into a peal of laughter. “You must be joking.”
“Not at all,” Kat replied with a calm smile, but her mind was racing. It was clear she’d aroused Rose’s suspicions. After all, few of the women ever left the hotel to brave the squalor of the city.
“Come on. You can tell me the truth. We’re friends, right?” Rose said in a hushed tone of voice. She leaned closer and looked up and down the hall.
“There’s nothing to tell. I simply feel like getting out for a while,” Kat replied.
“Out of the hotel? Why? The city is awful,” Rose said. “Why not walk in the gardens?”
“The city isn’t that bad,” Kat hedged. “It can be quite nice this time of year.”
Suddenly, Rose gasped. “You’ve got a lover, don’t you? And you’re meeting him in secret! Or is it a her?”
Horror filled Kat’s veins. The last thing she needed was for Rose to spread stories about her and secret lovers. If Sikes heard such a thing, he’d kill her. Slowly and painfully.
“No, that’s not—”
“Oh, how romantic!” Rose cried, clapping her hands as she jumped up and down.
“That’s not—”
“Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me,” Rose said with an
exaggerated wink. “I mean, I totally get it. The general is old, and you’re still young and pretty.”
“Rose, please. It’s not like—”
“No need to explain, girlfriend,” Rose said, dropping her voice to a low whisper. “Tell me. Is he handsome? What does he look like? Or she?”
Kat lost her tenuous grip on her temper and yelled, “I’m not seeing anyone else, okay? I’m loyal to the general, and only to him.”
Rose drew back with a huff. “Well. There’s no need to shout.”
Kat sighed. “I’m sorry, Rose. I didn’t mean to be rude, but the truth is somewhat…embarrassing.”
“What is it?” Rose asked, growing eager once more. “I promise I won’t tell.”
That was a lie, of course. Rose was a notorious gossip. Everyone within the Prime Hotel would know about their conversation within the hour. Therefore, Kat had to pick her words with care. Her life depended on it.
“Well, I’m not as young as I used to be, and lately…” Kat bit her lip and looked around as if to make certain no one could overhear.
“Yes?” Rose prompted.
“Lately, it’s becoming more and more difficult to keep my figure trim,” Kat admitted, a blush stealing over her cheeks.
“You’re getting fat?” Rose asked with surprise.
Kat winced. “I wouldn’t go that far, but—”
“You poor thing,” Rose exclaimed, her expression filled with sympathy. “Have you tried throwing up after you’ve eaten? That always works for me.”
“Yes, I have. Nothing short of starving myself works,” Kat replied with a shake of the head.
“What a pity,” Rose said with a shudder. “I can’t imagine what it must feel like to grow old. The wrinkles, the gray hair, the cellulite.”
Kat gritted her teeth. Dear God, I’m going to strangle her right here, right now, if she doesn’t shut up.
“Are you scared the general will leave you for someone else?” Rose asked.
Kat tried her best to look distraught. “I’m terrified. I don’t know what I’d do if that happened. It’s hell out there on the streets.”
“There, there,” Rose said, patting Kat’s arm in an awkward attempt to console her. “I’m sure it won’t come to that.”
“Thank you, but I can’t take that chance,” Kat said.
“What are you going to do?” Rose asked.
“I learned from one of the servants about an old woman who sells herbs in the market square. Apparently, she mixes a tea that’s guaranteed to keep the weight off.”
“Oh, so that’s why you were sneaking out!” Rose exclaimed, delighted to have such a juicy tidbit to share with the other women.
“Please, don’t tell anyone,” Kat begged, her expression earnest.
“I promise,” Rose said.
“Thank you,” Kat said, relieved she’d managed to allay Rose’s suspicions.
“Be careful,” Rose admonished. “The city can be dangerous.”
“I’ll try.”
“I wouldn’t want you to get hurt out there,” Rose said with a saccharine smile. “You’re like a mother to me, after all. And to the other girls.”
Kat stared at Rose for a split-second, her chest ablaze with fury. Mother?
With gritted teeth, she said, “Thank you, Rose. You’re too kind.”
Without saying another word, she whirled around and walked toward the exit—anything to get away from the hotel and its inhabitants. God, I hate this place. I wish I could burn it to the fucking ground.
After making sure she wasn’t followed, Kat joined the hustle and bustle of the city. She merged seamlessly with the crowd, the hood of her jacket drawn over her head. Her destination wasn’t far from the hotel, only a couple of blocks away. This was fortunate as she didn’t have a lot of time. She had to be back at the hotel before Sikes returned, or there’d be hell to pay.
The Crimson Door was a brothel thinly disguised as a gentlemen’s club and situated in one of Prime’s wealthiest districts. The three-story building, with its famous red door, served only the richest of patrons. No one was allowed entry without an invitation, and to become a regular meant that you had to have deep pockets.
It was also her last place of employment and a part of her history she’d rather forget. Still, she was desperate. Desperate enough to face her past head-on along with all of its demons.
When Kat reached her destination, she paused, lingering in the shadows. Her gaze traveled across the elegant facade with its ornate pillars and pearl wash. Steps led to a beautifully carved wooden door, its surface painted deep red.
Her heart clenched, and her stomach did a slow roll. For a second, it felt like she was going to be sick. This was the last place she’d ever wanted to set foot again. It was the place where she’d lost everything: Her innocence, her pride, her dignity, her freedom, and finally, her soul.
Sucking in a deep breath, Kat jogged up the steps to the entrance. There, she hesitated, one hand hovering above the painted veneer. Then, she knocked, knowing as she did so that she was risking everything.
The seconds passed slowly while she waited. Too slowly. Her heart bounced around like a frightened jackrabbit, and every fiber of her body screamed at her to flee. It’s not too late. You can still run. Run!
Kat began to turn away but froze when the door opened with an audible click. Warm air redolent with the scent of brandy and cigar smoke teased her nostrils while the faint strains of classical music drifted through the air.
A voice she hadn’t heard in years said, “Kat, I always knew you’d come back one day.”
Kat closed her eyes, summoning all her courage. She’d need it for what lay ahead. Smoothing her features into a look of bland civility, she spun around. “Yes, I’m here, but that doesn’t mean I’m staying.”
“That remains to be seen,” the voice said with a sultry laugh.
“I’m serious,” Kat said, aware of the thin note in her voice. “I’m not staying.”
“Mm, well don’t just stand here. Come inside, kitten. I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to lately,” the voice replied, thick with amusement.
Kat followed the voice into the dark embrace of the Crimson Door. It welcomed her like a long-lost lover, and a shiver ran down her spine. There could be no turning back now. The deed was done, and it was time to make a deal with the devil.
Chapter 3
Rogue woke the morning after the raptor attack with a stiff neck and an even stiffer back. The chase had taken its toll on her body, combined with their quick exit from Prime City. Her mouth was dry, her head pounded, and her eyesight was blurry.
For a moment, she lay stock-still, gathering her thoughts. Much of it was a haze, but a few things stood out amid the chaos: Bones had betrayed her, handing her over to Sikes. Kat was no longer the bad guy but a member of the rebellion. With her help, Rogue, Moran, and the others had escaped from Prime’s dungeons. They’d met up with Seth on the way to the Zoo and had holed up in his boat after being chased by raptors.
Rogue groaned. “I’m getting too old for this crap.” She reached out with one hand, but the spot next to her was cold and empty. Seth was gone. She raised her head and blinked into the gloom. “Seth?”
No answer.
With a grumble, she pushed back the covers and looked for her clothes. The room they’d slept in was crammed full of boxes and shelves. Years’ worth of supplies filled the space, and she made a mental note to sort through it all at some point. Right now, however, she had to get her ass into gear.
Rogue pulled on her underwear, followed by her pants and shirt. She found one sock beneath her pillow, but the other was missing. Rummaging around, she accidentally toppled a tower of boxes.
The top one burst open when it hit the floor, spilling its contents. A round object rolled across the floor, and Rogue lunged to grab it before it could disappear into the bottomless pit of stuff around her. On closer inspection, she gasped. It was a snow globe, or so she thought. She’d
never actually seen one with her own eyes.
In the middle of the glass, stood a snowman. It had a carrot for a nose and buttons for eyes. A red scarf was tied around its neck, and a kid with a sled stood next to it. She shook the globe, mesmerized by the swirling snow that turned the scene into a winter wonderland. “It’s so beautiful.”
With care, Rogue picked up the open box and looked inside. On top lay a framed photo of a young family. The father stood at attention, his dark eyes grave, and his suit immaculate. The wife was his polar opposite. She smiled at the camera with evident joy, her auburn curls swept over one shoulder. Next to her stood a young boy with an earnest expression, the spitting image of his father.
Rogue stared at the photo for several minutes. She guessed it was Seth and his parents. A smile played on her lips. He looked so serious, even without the scar that bisected his face as an adult. Typical Seth. Then she frowned. He couldn’t have been more than ten at the time, and she realized the picture must have been taken right before the Shift. I wonder what happened to his parents? Are they still alive? And how did he get that scar?
She studied the snow globe and noticed an engraved message on the bottom. It read: To my dearest Seth. With all my love. Mom.
Moments later, she was yanked back to reality by a call from Moran. “Are you up yet, Rogue, or do you plan on sleeping all damn day?”
Rogue rolled her eyes. “I’m up.”
“Glad to hear it. Now, get your lazy butt out of bed,” Moran replied.
“I’m coming,” Rogue said. She placed the photo and snow globe back into the box without looking at the rest of the contents. It was a collection of keepsakes, memorabilia from Seth’s past, and none of her concern. It was up to him to share it with her someday.
After locating her other sock, she pulled them on along with her boots and jacket. On the way to the kitchen, she popped into the toilet. Somehow, Seth had solved the plumbing problem, and the place had proper ablutions.
The toilet was a plain wooden box with a hole in the seat. It was positioned over a second hole in the floor. Any waste dropped straight into the river and was swept away on the current. A stack of fibrous leaves provided toilet paper, and a small, mesh-covered window let in fresh air and sunlight.
The Extinction Series | Book 3 | Primordial Earth 3 Page 2